How Diet Is Important For Men
By Dr Tajuddin, a leading agriculture expert and researcher, is a popular activist for campaign against the widespread use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
Exclusive to JAIHOON.COM
Posted : 13 Apr 09
Nutrition has a direct impact on the potency of man’s sperm. Research shows that if you eat badly, smoke and drink too much alcohol, the quality and quantity of your sperm will be lowered, and conception more difficult. Don’t think that infertility is a purely female problem, and that you can continue drinking. Smoking and eating what you like while your partner makes all the lifestyle changes. Did you know nearly half of all fertility problems originate from the man? And in the majority of cases, experts can’t even tell which partner has the problem- it might be both of you. The best way to maximize your chance of a healthy successful conception and pregnancy, whether you’ve been experiencing problems or not, is for you to adopt of healthy eating plan and lifestyle.
Foods to choose
To boost your chances of conceiving a healthy baby, your diet should be balanced, healthy, varied and as organic and free from additives and preservatives as possible. A healthy diet is low in most of the saturated fats, particularly animal fat, sugar, salt and refined and processed foods and high in whole meal products, fruit and vegetables. In a study of Danish greenhouse workers, an unexpectedly high sperm count was found among organic farmers who grew their products without the use of pesticides or chemicals the use of pesticides or chemicals. Interestingly enough, Danish sperm is one of the most sought after in the world, routinely used to boost up sperm supplies at sperm supplies at sperm banks. When you think about the purpose of your reproductive organs- creating new life – its easy to understand how vital it is to nourish them with a vibrant, energy- giving diet. The full spectrum of nutrients is needed for maximum reproductive health.
The most important nutrients
Zinc is vital because it is crucial for the proper development of sperm. Low or no zinc in the man equals no or low sperm count in the penis. Food sources include fish, kelp, brown rice, hulled hemp seeds, wheat germ, chicken, pulses, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, peas, chicken, wholegrain and eggs.
Manganese is essential for the maintenance of healthy testicles. A lack of the mineral manganese leads to testicular degeneration, sterility and loss of libido. Food sources include avocados, oatmeal, bananas, peas, prunes, kale, raspberries, lettuce, nuts, seeds, sea vegetables, whole grains, pulses and seaweed dulse.
Selenium is needed to raise sperm counts. Food sources include Brazil nuts, barley, broccoli, fish, eggs, asparagus, brown rice, chicken, dulse, garlic, kelp and wheat germ.
Research suggests that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E may make sperm more fertile. An interesting study looked at men with good sperm counts but low fertilizations rates during IVF treatments. These men were given vitamins each day. One month after starting treatment, the fertility rate increased from 19 per cent to 29 per cent. Food sources include nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, oatmeal, wheat germ and cold-pressed oils.
Vitamin C is needed to increase sperm quality. Food sources include berries (strawberries, blueberries, Gobi berries for example), citrus fruits, kiwi fruits, tomatoes, peppers, blackcurrants, peas and rose hips.
Essential fatty acids are crucial because semen is rich in prostaglandins, which require these fatty acids for production. Food sources include flax seeds, shelled hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, avocados, trout, salmon, mackerel, herrings, pilchards, sardines and cold- pressed oils.
Vitamin B12 is also important for cellular sperm production. Food sources include poultry, eggs, dairy products, herrings, mackerel, salmon and cod.
Potassium is another important mineral for increasing male virility. Food sources include pulses, vegetables, apple cider vinegar, whole grains, apricots, avocados, bananas, brown rice, dates, figs, dulse, nuts, squash, pumpkin and nettle.
Co-enzyme q10 is a nutrient used in the body for the production of energy, as well as sperm count and motility. Food sources include herring, mackerel, Soya, trout and pistachio nuts.
Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D can affect a man’s fertility. Sources of calcium include yoghurt, kefir, green vegetables, and tinned fish with bones, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, carob, dulse, wakame seaweed, figs, hazelnuts and alfalfa. Sources of vitamin D is not particularly well absorbed. The most important source of vitamin D is sunlight as the body can make vitamin D by the action of sunlight on the skin.
Amino acids, the building blocks for protein, have been proven to be important supplements for men addressing infertility problems and low sperm count. Good food sources include poultry, eggs, lentils, quinoa, amaranth and aduki beans.
Herbal help
Saw palmetto is one of the best herbs for male reproductive health. It acts like a tonic for men and has been used for centuries to help symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Several studies in Europe show that saw palmetto is an effective alternative for many men, especially those in the early stages of enlarged prostate. In Germany, it’s sold over the counter as a treatment for enlarged prostate (Benign prostatic Hyperplasia)
Things to avoid
Alcohol
Research clearly indicates that drinking alcohol causes a decrease in sperm count, an increase in abnormal sperm and a lower proportion of mobile sperm. This is because
Alcohol reduces the level of sperm- making hormones. Men who drink four units if alcohol a day run a risk of lowered sperm count, and as little as one pint of beer ( two units) a day could produce abnormal sperm. If you’re prone to binge drinking, experts reckon you can wipe out your sperm count for up to three months after a single bout of heavy drinking. And any sperm that manage to mature while alcohol is still in your system may be less effective and healthy. Need any more convincing that alcohol is one of the greatest threats to a man’s potency? Well, too much can alter the way testosterone is produced and then released. Plus, a man who drinks alcohol may accumulate small amounts of female hormones which can lower sperm potency and production. The good news is that all these effects can be reversed in around three to four months by avoiding alcohol and adopting a healthy diet.
Smoking
A man’s fertility is adversely affected if he smokes because the chemicals taken in from cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, degrade sperm count.
Drugs
Recreational drugs will compromise a man’s fertility:
Marijuana can lower sperm- producing hormones and reduce libido
Cocaine causes lower sperm counts, poorly moving sperm and a high rate of abnormal sperm.
Heroin can cause a decrease in testosterone levels.
Some medicines have a direct impact on male fertility and sperm count. These include sulphasalazine ( used to treat irritable bowel), nitrofurantoin, tetracycline’s, cimetidiene, ketoconzole, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine, oxidase inhibitors, propranol and other medications for conditions for conditions such gout or high blood pressure. Overuse of antibiotics may also pose a problem.
